USB-C cables: active / passive / E-Mark chips effect on audio quality?

[hyperknot]

I have a Macbook Pro M1 and I'd like to connect my USB-C desktop DAC to it. My question is that there are a zillion types of USB-C cables and I'm totally confused about them.

Basically, all I'd need is a very simple USB 2.0 data cable with Type-C plugs on both ends. What I can see in the shops on the other hand are all kinds of combinations of:

- 60W / 100W
- USB 2.0 / 3.0 / 3.1
- active / passive
- with / without E-Mark chip

For me, the best would be a plain and simple USB 2.0 data cable. My basic instinct is telling me that it's better without any active chip / E-Mark chip in the cable, as it's totally not needed but can possibly introduce some problems. But I don't know this area. Can you help me?

 

[Elitzur–Vaidman]

Just get a cheap USB 2.0 data cable. Some DACs don't play well with more advanced usb-c cables.

 

[hyperknot]

Just get a cheap USB 2.0 data cable. Some DACs don't play well with more advanced usb-c cables.

But I cannot find a cheap USB 2.0 data cable with Type-C plugs on both ends.

 

[Elitzur–Vaidman]

Amazon?

 

[hyperknot]

Amazon?

That's where I run into the zillion brands and cables I've never heard about before.

 

[NiagaraPete]

That's where I run into the zillion brands and cables I've never heard about before.

Just look for under 20.00

 

[antcollinet]

Just go for the amazon basics branding. They will work fine.

Amazon.co.uk : usb to usb cable

EDIT:

Or Anker

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Anker-Charging-MacBook-Galaxy-Charger-Red/dp/B088NLK5P5/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B088N7KPZN&pd_rd_w=wPunM&content-id=amzn1.sym.f40e32df-d460-45e5-9397-095d67971032&pf_rd_p=f40e32df-d460-45e5-9397-095d67971032&pf_rd_r=SQYHGSEZ6J0G7TP57ZYK&pd_rd_wg=dC9Ny&pd_rd_r=7f334976-2837-48db-aa20-5a5c798f47b6&ref_=deals

 

[dartinbout]

I have it on firm authority they only sound as good as how much they cost. Veil lifting doesn't come cheap.

 

[Doodski]

I have it on firm authority they only sound as good as how much they cost. Veil lifting doesn't come cheap.

Yeah, cheap cheesecloth veils are not as expensive as velvety smooth veils.

 

[hyperknot]

Just go for the amazon basics branding. They will work fine.

Thanks for the linked products. So basically the key is to look for a USB 2.0, 60W or less variant. Do I understand right that these cables are passive, without any chip?

 

[antcollinet]

Thanks for the linked products. So basically the key is to look for a USB 2.0, 60W or less variant. Do I understand right that these cables are passive, without any chip?

If they don't mention being active, they will be passive.

 

[hyperknot]

If they don't mention being active, they will be passive.

But aren't all 100W cables by definition active? That's the most confusing part for me. Most of them don't mention they are active, yet, the new Anker cable for example is 100W.

 

[staticV3]

But aren't all 100W cables by definition active? That's the most confusing part for me. Most of them don't mention they are active, yet, the new Anker cable for example is 100W.

100W means the cable uses large gauge 5V and GND wires and has an e-marker chip to identify itself as such to USB chargers/chargees.

An active USB cable has more advanced circuitry inside that boosts the USB signal to carry data over longer distances than regular cables are capable of.

 

[hyperknot]

100W means the cable uses large gauge 5V and GND wires and has an e-marker chip to identify itself as such to USB chargers/chargees.

An active USB cable has more advanced circuitry inside that boosts the USB signal to carry data over longer distances than regular cables are capable of.

But that chip has to do something with the data, or do they have different wires to communicate that? I mean why isn't the E-Marker chip considered active?

 

[staticV3]

But that chip has to do something with the data, or do they have different wires to communicate that? I mean why isn't the E-Marker chip considered active?

For historic reasons. The e-marker is basically just a more advanced 56k pull-up resistor, and so despite the active nature considered part of a passive USB cable.
"Active" has always been reserved for cables that boost the signal strength.

 

[hyperknot]

I found a good resource from Benson Leung:

How many kinds of USB-C™ to USB-C™ cables are there?

tl;dr: There are 6, it's unfortunately very confusing to the end user. Classic USB from the 1.1, 2.0, to 3.0 generations using USB-A and...

people.kernel.org

Now how many USB-C™ to USB-C™ cables are there? (USB4™ Update, September 12, 2019)

tl;dr: There are now 8. Thunderbolt 3 cables officially count too. It's getting hard to manage, but help is on the way. Edited lightly 0...

people.kernel.org

"Cables 2-6 are required by the USB specification to include an electronic marker chip which contains vital information about the cable."

So basically if I want a cable which is "just a bunch of electric wires" then my only option is "USB 2.0 rated at 3A".

 

[Doodski]

I found a good resource from Benson Leung:

How many kinds of USB-C™ to USB-C™ cables are there?

tl;dr: There are 6, it's unfortunately very confusing to the end user. Classic USB from the 1.1, 2.0, to 3.0 generations using USB-A and...

people.kernel.org

Now how many USB-C™ to USB-C™ cables are there? (USB4™ Update, September 12, 2019)

tl;dr: There are now 8. Thunderbolt 3 cables officially count too. It's getting hard to manage, but help is on the way. Edited lightly 0...

people.kernel.org

View attachment 231373
"Cables 2-6 are required by the USB specification to include an electronic marker chip which contains vital information about the cable."

So basically if I want a cable which is "just a bunch of electric wires" then my only option is "USB 2.0 rated at 3A".

Can't forget about Thunderbolt 4. My new motherboard has it onboard. It's current and upcoming.

 

[Elitzur–Vaidman]

Can't forget about Thunderbolt 4. My new motherboard has it onboard. It's current and upcoming.

Also the newest USB 4.20 (someone had fun naming that revision)

 

[Doodski]

Also the newest USB 4.20 (someone had fun naming that revision)

Here's the back of a new motherboard a Z690.

 

[Elitzur–Vaidman]

Here's the back of a new motherboard a Z690.

USB 4 version 2.0 will support up to 80Gbps. Unrelated, but I'd love to see measurements for that motherboard's audio.